One in three Australian women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Today, on White Ribbon Day, men are encouraged to wear a white ribbon and swear never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. To get involved, visit www.whiteribbonday.org.au< p>
THE team at Footscray's Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Unit is trained to work with the most vulnerable of victims.
Its priority is the victims' welfare so its role involves referring them to medical and counselling services as much as guiding them through the legal process.
Senior Sergeant Jenny Wilson says the unit's aim is to empower victims.
"The important issue with sexual assault victims is giving them back choice.
"People come and tell us a story and it's up to us to work out if there is any criminal offence involved. Then we give them their options of reporting to the police."
In the past year, 64 recently sexually assaulted victims have attended the Crisis Care Unit at Sunshine Hospital, with 574 people seeking support from the Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault.
"[People] like to hide it away," Senior Sergeant Wilson says, "but the reality is it's prevalent within our community."
The Footscray unit is one of the busiest of its type, covering Hobsons Bay, Melton, Brimbank, Maribyrnong, and Wyndham - a region with high population growth, multiculturalism, mental health issues and a prison system.
Senior Sergeant Wilson says people from all backgrounds, both women and men, are victims of sexual assault.
"Predominantly, sexual assault is committed by someone known [to the victim]."
She said there was a fear linked to reporting incidents to police, but the 20 women and men at the unit were there to reassure victims. The unit also runs education programs through secondary schools and community centres.
"One of the main preventive ways of dealing with sexual assault and child abuse is through awareness programs," Senior Sergeant Wilson said.
"As the dialogue is opened, the more people talk about it, the more people come forward."
Mobile phones, the internet, drink-spiking and teenagers increasingly using alcohol and drugs are all relatively new dangers.
"If you are in a situation where it doesn't feel right, chances are there is not consent," Senior Sergeant Wilson said.
There were particular issues in the west of people from other cultures not understanding Australian laws and being reluctant to speak out against members of their own communities.
"No matter what culture, background, education level or income level, sexual assault will not be tolerated. Any victim has a right to report it and get help."
Leading Senior Constable Joanne Mutsaerts is one of the longest-serving members, having worked in the unit for 10 years. She encouraged victims to come forward and, at the very least, to get advice. "Not everyone wants to go through the judicial system; they just want to be heard and understood. It's part of their healing process."
Senior Sergeant Wilson agrees. "It is not just about reporting; it's about supporting," she said. "It's an area in which you can really make a difference in people's lives. You have people in very vulnerable situations and we are able to make them feel safe."
Email a friend